Disclaimer: One of the quotes Ariel tells Melody is similar to something I heard from The Princess Diaries that Elinor Roosevelt said. And I do not own the characters, just the story.
The Ball
The walls were covered in decorations, from ribbons, and bows to elaborate pearls and various décor from right out of the sea. It was a lovely sight, the sunset making the ballroom glow; the guests would be arriving soon. And now that the food was prepared and the cake was baked, iced, and decorated, all that was left was the guests' arrival as well as the introduction of the young princess, whom was still getting ready.
"Melody! Get out of that tub! You'll prone yourself dear." –Carlotta
"Yes Carlotta, I'm getting out now." —Princess Melody
"Fine, but let your handmaidens help you at least. Uhh child what am I going to do with you?" —Carlotta
"Umm let me go back into the ocean, then you wouldn't have to worry about me making such a mess." —Princess Melody said half jokingly.
"Child, don't joke like that. Now hold still while we get you dried up, then the real work begins." —Carlotta had a slightly frightening smile across her face.
"Ok, fine. Geesh, you can be really terrifying sometimes." —Princess Melody shivered.
Princess Melody was poked, pinched, pulled, plucked, pampered, puffed up, and finally forced into a corset.
"Now do me a favor dear and breath in." —Carlotta
"I-I'mm tryingg!" —Princess Melody sucked in as she tried to take in as much air as possible.
"Now ladies, pull!" —Carlotta ordered the other maids to pull with all their might as they made Melody's waist as small as possible, along with causing her bust to become pushed up, she tried to cover her cleavage as she blushed.
"Carlotta! I hope the dress I'm wearing isn't going to cause me to . . . show." —Melody turned beet red.
"Of course not my lady, your mother and father would have my head if we did." —Carlotta laughed.
"Well good, so what did you prepare for me?" —Melody questioned.
"Your mother chose a beautiful aquamarine empire dress that brings out your lovely blue eyes." —Carlotta folded her hands together as she day dreamed about Melody meeting her prince charming.
"Oh, sounds great." —Melody sighed.
"Yes, now up with your hands, and here are your underthings. I'll have you finish up again and then we'll begin doing your hair." —Carlotta retorted.
Melody dressed quickly and sat in front of the mirror while they combed her long beautiful black hair.
"Do you mind Carlotta? I'd like to have a word with Melody." —Queen Ariel
"Yes of course, ladies, let's go." —Carlotta
"Hi mom." —Melody
"Hello Melody. As I thought, that dress looks lovely on you. And that gold beading on the bodice is lovely. But there's still something missing." —Ariel
"What?" —Melody questioned.
"A little bit of make-up." —Ariel began to apply the cosmetics keeping Melody's look natural and elegant. Some simple light coral with some blush, black eyeliner and mascara. Her hair was lightly curled and pinned to one side, so that the back lacy part of her dress was shown, she wore a bright gold seashell and several pearl pins to keep the loose ends of her hair back. The heart shaped strapless neckline make her lovely collarbone show, her mother wrapped a string of pearls around her neck, they had tiny gold beads between each one. She also wore a matching pair of pearl dangle earrings with tiny gold seashells. Small curls framed her lovely face, her bangs parted to her right, thick and neat.
"Beautiful. Now, here are your shoes." —Ariel
"Wow, thanks mom." —Melody
"Hmm, just remember, no one can make you feel insecure about yourself without you allowing it. Do you understand dear?" —Ariel
"Ya I do mom, thanks." —Melody smiled as she looked in the mirror one more time as her mother slipped her aqua shoes on.
"You're ready." —Ariel smiled lovingly at her daughter.
"Knock, knock." —King Eric knocked lightly.
"Come in dad." —Melody answered.
"Wow Melody, you look great, just one thing missing." —Eric replied.
"What is it?" —Melody questioned.
"Here, this will complete your attire." —Eric placed a light object atop Melody's head.
She went over to look in the mirror and gasped. It was a gold tiara, not too large and not too small, there were pearls, small gold seashells of various shapes and designs it was as if a wave was going over Melody's head. She was a showstopper, lovely, graceful, and all grown up.
"Now you're perfect, let's go greet your guests." —Ariel smiled, tearing up slightly.
"Ya, I'm ready." —Melody smiled confidently.
"Alright, I'll go gather the guests." —Eric ran off, the clicking sounds of his metals crashing against each other. He wore a similar suit of that on their wedding day, but this one was far more refined and covered in metals and various shinning buttons. His hair was slightly graying and his face beginning to wrinkle, yet he was still as charming and handsome as ever. Ariel looked as though she never aged, she managed to find ways around her hair graying and her skin was fair, with small wrinkles yet she was still as beautiful and elegant as ever. The entire family was ready to welcome their guests.
"Let's start heading toward the ballroom Melody." —Ariel looked down at Melody as she began to rise.
"Right." —Melody was shaking slightly, recalling the last birthday gathering that wound up being a disaster, but she was determined to make this one much better, besides, it had been eight years since that catastrophic event.
They walked down the long hallway with a servant at every door, smiling at the sight of the young princess. The sound of clacking echoed down the marble hallway as they reached the end, nearly at the entrance of the ballroom, King Eric came to fetch Queen Ariel as they awaited with the other guests; Melody would be making this entrance on her own.
"Just breath Melody, just breath." —Melody tried to calm herself, her hands still shaking as she finally awaited her cue.
"And now presenting our beloved daughter, Princess . . . Melody." —Eric announced as the crowd began to applaud as Melody began to take her first steps out until she finally reached the bright lights and all the loud sound of applause. She was smiling brightly as she seemed to glow, her nerves still there, but she dared not let is show. She used one hand to hold up her dress, just enough for her to walk without stumbling, the other gently rested on her chest, as to control her breathing. She smiled and dared not cry out of fear in front of all of her guests. One wobbly step after the other she made it to the bottom of the stairs as all the audience bowed and she gave a small curtsy, then the music began.
"The worst is over dear." —Ariel came over; she was full of pride for her daughter.
"You were wonderful."—Eric hugged his daughter.
"Thanks mom, dad. I was so nervous, but I did the best I could with these shoes." —Melody smiled shyly, slightly impressed that she didn't fall over and manage to ruin the party.
"Your majesties." —A deep husky voice was heard and Melody turned around at one, recognizing that voice.
"Oh, Alex, hello." —Melody was surprised to see him here, especially after their last run in.
"Hello melody, it's been a while." —Alex bowed like anything and acknowledged King Eric and Queen Ariel.
"I'd like to know if I could be given the honor of having the first dance of the evening Princess." —Alex asked, his charm still their, his handsome slender face, his bright green eyes, and long dirty blond hair that was split in the center and tied into a ponytail, he didn't seem to change a bit. Perhaps he was more muscular, taller, his voice deeper, his smile wider, his eyes brighter, and more welcoming. Melody couldn't help but smile as she took his hand, he glided her across the floor as she looked at his feet only one, but then she looked into his eyes, and she felt her world stop. Her heart fluttered as he smiled at her, the waltz light and fun as they spun again and again, she couldn't help but giggle like a giddy schoolgirl.
"Ulk, I wish they'd get a room." —A girl with fair skin, a short bob of blond hair, dull blue eyes and a terrible sneer was crossing her white gloved arms in a similar orange dress with too many frills, and bows. Her puffed sleeves seemed even larger than last time, her skirt made it so that no one could come more than a few inches beside her. There were two other boys standing beside her, one tubby and the other one long and thin. They all looked related somehow, but they weren't, just all "friends," so long as it suited her.
"Now what are you complaining about Alexandria?" —The tubby one asked, he wearing a suit that fit him rather snuggly, the buttons almost seemed as though they were going to burst. His greasy hair was tied back in a tidy ponytail, his brown eyes looked bored, he wanting dinner to be served soon.
"Oh would you shut up Boris! I wish you'd stop saying that every time I make an obvious statement." —She scoffed.
"Well it can't be that obvious if he's asking." —The thin one sneered. He was wearing a suit that looked somewhat large on him, his oily hair also pulled back into a small ponytail with a black ribbon. He looked as snobbish as ever, clearly over the entire "party," but his mother forced him to attend.
"Well, I'm just so sick of those two always stealing the show. I mean come on, do they have to flirt like that in public! It's embarrassing really." —She looked irritated and clearly frustrated at the pair of giggling twenty year olds before her.
"Well we can't control what they do, whether in public or in privacy." —The thin one remarked.
"Ya, well you know what! Ughh, Johnathan, I just, uhhhh! It's just not fair! It should be me! Me I tell you! I should be a princess, not a duchess' daughter!"—Alexandria stomped.
"My it seems one of us is still very much a, what would you call it Johnathan?" —Boris asked.
"Brat, a spoiled brat." —Johnathan answered his friend.
"Ya and not to mention, a total baby." —Boris puffed up; tired of hearing every negative thought that she had.
"Well I guess you'd best find someone else to talk to, because I'm not going to put up with the two of you for much longer. Hmph." —Alexandria pouted, secretly afraid that she would end up alone.
"Look, let's just have a good time alright, we're here, our parents made us come, let's just attempt to have some fun." —Johnathan tried to be the positive one of the group, since he had nothing better to do; yet his tone didn't seem too sincere.
"Well, I suppose we don't have much of a choice." —Alexandria was grateful that Johnathan always tried to make things better.
"Fine, but I'm starving." —Boris whined.
"I'm sure they'll have us eat soon." —Johnathan patted Boris on the shoulder as they began to walk away.
"Wait for me!" —Alexandria walked towards them, trying to resist the urge to run.
"Wow, that was so much fun." —Melody couldn't stop from laughing and giggling after they had danced to three songs in order, one right after the other.
"Yes, it was fun wasn't it?" —Alex smiled, he loved to see her happy, she was even prettier than he remembered.
"Oh, look, you can see the moon and the stars reflecting off the ocean." —Melody leaned over the railing as she gazed down at the sea.
"Yes, it is the second loveliest sight I've seen all evening." —Alex smiled at her.
"Let's go down to the beach!"—Melody grabbed Alex's arm as she practically dragged him along with her.
"B-but the party, I'm sure you'll be missed, they haven't even began dinner yet, and they'll be waiting for . . ." —Alex stuttered out.
"Oh don't be such a- what's that?"—Melody looked out at the ocean again and saw a strange ship approaching the shore, hidden away from sight. She looked more closely and saw their flag.
"It's a pirate ship!" —Melody exclaimed; she suddenly began to run by herself down the steps as quickly as her feet could take her, once she reached the sand, she took off her heels.
"But Melody! You shouldn't!" —Alex began to run after her.
"But I want to see! Come on, just a quick peek."—Melody begged, still running towards the ship.
"But, we'll get into trouble." —Alex begged her to go back.
"No we won't, no one will know, and besides, it's my birthday." —Melody smiled.
"That doesn't make it right, Melody please." —Alex tried to catch up with her, but she was too fast. She had already reached a nearby rock that lead to an overview of the ship. She put her shoes and anything shimmering down hidden inside a cave as she began to climb in her undergarments, since her dress was the most glistening piece of her attire. When she got to the top she saw strange people that she'd never met before, and the kingdom was so small that she know she would have seen a familiar face and recognized it right away. She overheard voices, commands to begin disembarking the ship and taking the luggage towards . . . the castle. Melody began to wonder if her father knew anything about this. Her heart began to beat faster and faster as she saw how many weapons they had, she became frightened, but she couldn't turn away for a moment, because there was one man that she couldn't look away from, he was tall, slender yet toned. He could most certainly hold his own, fair brown hair split in the center with short strands in his face, the rest tied back into a slender ponytail, light blue eyes, a scar just under his left eye, he had this way about him, as if he knew everything, yet nothing all at once. He was confident, poised, helping and giving orders; she looked more closely and looked at his attire. He wore a loose-fitting white shirt that was tucked into his baggy black cargo pants, which were then tucked into his old looking brown boots with brass buckles. Oh but the way he smiled, it rarely happened, but when it did, her heart stopped.
"What I wouldn't give to be shipwrecked with him." —Melody thought aloud. She quickly silenced herself as she began to listen, a woman walked forward, slender and beautiful with short brown hair and cat-like eyes.
"Listen crew, we've arrived discreetly, a job well done, we are now to report to King Eric as his new guards, but unfortunately we are late, we are going to keep an eye out for any 'strange guests,' so eyes peeled and ears open. Anything suspicious, report to me and I will inform the king. Understood?" —Her voice was harsh and demanding, but every soul nodded in agreement, none dared question her.
"Right then, Jim, front and center." —She called out.
"Yes Captain." —It was that same stranger that she'd had her eye on; she repeated his name to herself over and over again.
"Now man your stations men! And move out!" —The Captain ordered as the entire crew picked up their equipment and headed for the back of the castle.
"Right Jim, that means you too." —Captain nodded at Jim to get going.
"Yes Captain, right away." —Jim straightened up.
"You're not going to go like that are you?" —The Captain observed his attire.
"Of course not, Jim ran into the ship and was back out without a moment to spare, a dark red jacket in hand, covered in metals.
"He has more than father."—Melody observed, she noticed they were coming her way and she quickly threw her dress and shoes on as she ran over to the water to put on her jewelry, but it was too late, they'd spotted her.
"Oh no!"—Melody's hands were shaking again as Jim ran towards her, hand on his sword. But it did look rather suspicious, what with her not being able to put her dress on properly, and her tiara, pins, and jewelry put on all crooked and a mess.
"Hey! Girl, who are you? And what are you doing with all these nice things? They aren't yours are they?" —Jim was critically suspicious of her, since she looked completely out of sorts, her hair a mess, everything astray, as she tried her best to put it on without the help of a mirror, or any of her maids. It didn't help that she was terrified to not only be discovered, but being discovered by a man that you were attracted to. She was a blubbering mess.
"I-uh, well you see, umm." —Melody couldn't put a sentence together to save her life, which may indeed be in danger. Suddenly, matters got worse, as Jim called for his Captain to see the little "thief" that he'd caught.
"Captain! This girl had all this with her and she claims to be the princess, but would a princess be so sloppily dressed?" —Jim looked at Captain Amelia, not convinced that Melody was in fact the royal heir to the thrown.
"I see, bring her with you, and we shall report her to the King, but not in front of all those people, we don't want to cause chaos, just take her to the back and I'll go get the King." —Captain Amelia ran off in search for the King.
"Right, you're coming with me, you little thief." —Jim scowled at Melody as she trembled with fear, how was she to explain any of this to her father, and how would she ever get out of this mess?